A great way to create a continuous referral stream of new projects is to create mutually beneficial relationships with interior designers. Use these seven tips to meet designers and engage with them in the most productive way.
1 - Opt-In to become a 'HTA Design Partner'
Why?: Leveraging your HTA Certification status early is a great differentiator and first step, though take your professionalism to the next level by showing them you abide by the HTA Design Partner code of conduct. Doing so builds trust and will lead to you being brought to projects earlier. The guidelines address the friction points of designer – integrator relationships and shows how valuable you are to their projects. The public-facing definition of an HTA Design Partner is at this link. It is an opt in designation only available to HTA Certified integrators.
Opt-In to Become an HTA Design Partner Here
2 - Meet Interior Designers
a - Reconnect with interior designers that you met on past projects.
b - Find local interior designers on social media and online search.
c - Join local chapters of ASID, IDS, NKBA, ICAA where you will meet designers. Chapter finder at this link.
Invite interior designers to your showroom or local vendor showrooms. Show them technology in context.
3 - Give them your personalized Project Technology Assessment form
Why?: The form reminds them of what you do and to bring you to their projects early! All HTA Certified integrators receive a personalized version of this form with your logo and your unique tracking URL in every link. These links put you at the top of the dealer finder when someone visits the HTA site from the form, and includes the "send this budget to (name of your company)" when using the budget calculator. If you need the form resent, please contact us here.
4 - Lead with Lighting, Shading & Wellness
Why?: They are interested in these topics, though they typically are not very interested in AV and controls. Every home has lighting. Motorized shades are popular. Wellness is a topic interior designers and architects are interested in. AV and controls can be brought up later, when you are firmly on the project.
5 - Engage with Interior Designers Regularly
How?: Phone calls, emails, newsletters, attend designer association chapter meetings (networking), give lunch and learns.
What?: Regularly update them with design solutions for technology such as invisible speakers, architectural keypad options, solutions to hide TVs, small aperture speakers, digital art, wellness solutions, new relevant technologies, etc.
Why?: Show by example that you are a valuable design resource.
6 - Make Them the Hero of Client Meetings
Why?: Designers have massive influence on their clients. Find out as much about the project in advance as possible. Share creative solutions with them ahead of the meeting. The designer may close the project for you!
7 - Give Lunch and Learns
What?: Credentialed interior designers need ongoing CEUs (Continuing Education Units) to maintain their designation. A great CEDIA benefit is their COI program (CEDIA Outreach Instructor, sign up here). Once you become a COI, you will be provided some courses approved for CEU credits that you can give as a lunch and learn or get creative and create an education event where designers and architects can attend multiple CEUs in one day. Many of your manufacturer partners have approved CEU courses, too (we list their classes on our HTA Resource Guide pages)
Why?: The fact that some designers need ongoing CEUs may open doors for you, literally, to educate them on home technology. This is great way to build and maintain relationships and establishes you as a subject matter expert on home tech.
Pro Tip: If you ask your vendor partners to present their CEU courses on your behalf, discuss ahead of time with the presenter that you want to be included in the discussion. This way the audience will still see you as a subject matter expert and not only the vendor rep.
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